The future of Idaho is in the hands, hearts, and minds of our children; it is also in ours as the taxpayers. The recently passed private school voucher program, HB 93, steals from the future of thousands of Idaho’s children, keeping our public education system one of the most underfunded in the country. Idaho already ranks last in per pupil spending. Governor Little has also recently stated that budget “holdbacks” are likely coming to public schools. It is simply bad leadership to take money away from public education for most Idaho children in favor of private education for a few. Then, on top of that to tell public schools more money will likely be gone as a “holdback” is insult to injury. So, we have two big issues here. First, our state legislature and Governor are neglecting Idaho children and their families. Second, this neglect comes at the financial expense of Idaho taxpayers.

The state of Arizona introduced and passed a similar piece of legislation in 2022. Let’s do a simple comparison of the numbers. Arizona’s program was initially estimated to cost just over $33 million in its first year, $65 million in its second, and $125 million in its third. The total cost of Arizona’s program is now closer to $800 million in its third year. That’s over a 300% increase. In Idaho, we are starting at $50 million, with some estimates suggesting it will possibly be closer to $300 million. The program is already about $675,000 over budget and it hasn’t even really started. How is this responsible use of taxpayer dollars?

Then there is the issue of neglecting Idaho children. Those in favor of this private school voucher system will argue it provides “freedom” for families to send their children to schools of their choice. However, about only half of Idaho counties even have a private school and those that do have only one private school or “choice;” doesn’t sound like much of a choice. Most private schools in Idaho are in Ada County- the most urban center of our state. That means rural tax dollars will be paying for urban private schools. Doesn’t sound much like freedom either. The price for this supposed freedom of choice in turn means an already underperforming public school system in Idaho gets less support. Underperforming not because of dedicated teachers, administrators, and support staff, but because of legislators and a Governor who are actually limiting our freedoms to promote their twisted version of “choice.”

HB 93 is bad legislation, plain and simple. It is financially reckless and limits freedom of choice; it does not improve it. Our Idaho state constitution makes it very clear: “…it shall be the duty of the legislature of Idaho, to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools.” Save our Schools Idaho is hosting town hall events throughout the state to discuss this private voucher program, giving taxpayers and families a chance to learn more about this legislation. Go to https://www.saveourschoolsidaho.com/ to see the current schedule. Their Facebook page also has recordings of previous town halls for review. The fate of public schools, our Idaho children, and the future of our great state is in our hands, the people of Idaho.